230SLK automatic gearbox use

[ted collett]

I'm a new owner of a 230SLK Auto and not being used to automatics am a little dissapointed in its behaviour, seeming to be a bit sluggish and slow to respond to gentle throttle inputs, so I'm not sure if its just me or a problem, from what I've seen on this site it looks that, although it has only done 47000 miles, an oil change might be a good first move.
However in order to understand more of how it can be used and therefore get the best out of it, is it possible, at certain times, to treat it as a manual ? i.e. by starting say in 1 or 2 and changing up when I want to rather than automatically. Similarly when I approach a corner in a manual I would change down and accelerate through. Can I do the same with this box i.e. if I'm in D can I push it into 4 or 3 and accelerate through the corner so that it doesn't either change down or up automatically in the middle of the bend ? Also if I want to overtake in a manual I'll select a lower gear and wait for the oppurtunity to go past. Can I do the same as above, select 4 or 3 in anticipation and and accelerate when I'm ready. Rather that kickdown and perhaps be too early and it'll change up as I ease off and have to do it again as the next oppurtunity arises, or leave it longer and be too late because of the delay taken for it to change down.

 

[GEORGEROV]

Yes to all your questions. But why bother?. You should have bought a manual.

 

[television]

Make sure that you have the box set in the S mode and not w-s mode

 

[mlc]

we have had 2 slk230's and neither could be described as sluggish.

I agree with Television, make sure you are not in W, after that if it doesnt go like a rocket, change smoothly and keep a smile on your face 24/7 - its broken

Mark

 

[darrenb1707]

I know you mention you think it might be the auto box but I wonder if it might actually be the adaptive throttle being a bit sluggish maybe through lots of town driving. I notice my CLK changes can get a bit sluggish until I reset the adaptive throttle. The procedure to reset is as follows:

1) Turn ignition key to furthest position (but dont start the car)
2) Press accelerator to the floor (pressing the kickdown button) and hold
3) Count to 5 then take your foot off the pedal
4) Turn the key back anti-clockwise
5) Start the car.
6) Enjoy!

If you find this makes a noticeable difference then it might be worth looking at getting a Sprintbooster fitted. From what I've read it makes the throttle response and subsequent box changes more instant and smoother. (Even better than the reset procedure above)

I intend to get one as soon as funds allow!

 

[ted collett]

Many thanks lads, I'm now a little bit more knowledgeable about how it can be driven, I have tried both using the box more as a manual and resetting the adaptive throttle and realise that it has made very little difference in the unresponsiveness that I seem to be experiencing. However reading some of the other threads makes me wonder if in fact I've fallen foul of a dirty or malfunctioning MAF so I now have 2 leads, a gearbox oil change and and cleaning or replacement MAF. I'll let you know if it works.

 

[ted collett]

update

Update on the above problem with intriguing result, I would be interested if this and its side effects have been met before.
Took car into my nearest independant specialist, Robin Lamb in Gloucester,
who after examination on diagnostic equipment was able to show that a failure in the magnetic clutch on the supercharger was blowing a particular fuse. With the result that I have been driving the car without any supercharging effect, no wonder it felt sluggish !! not only that but being supercharged the compression ratio is lower than for a normally aspirated 2.3 ltr car so even more sluggish than a conventional car !!
There's more the fuse that was blown also controls the variable valve timing, 2 oxgen sensors in the exhaust plus a flap valve in the inlet tract.
So in addition no variable valve timing, no oxgen sensing to control fuel ratios and restricted air flow on the inlet side.
Amazingingly despite all this it was still a very passable open air cruiser, cant wait to see the difference it makes when all of the above is rectified next friday

 

[Parrot of Doom]

I would buy yourself a new set of underpants, just to be safe.

 

[ted collett]

Final update
3 months of running and the car is fine, responsive and as quick as I need it to be and when I want to be.

 

[jimsinessex]

Update on the above problem with intriguing result, I would be interested if this and its side effects have been met before.
Took car into my nearest independant specialist, Robin Lamb in Gloucester,
who after examination on diagnostic equipment was able to show that a failure in the magnetic clutch on the supercharger was blowing a particular fuse. With the result that I have been driving the car without any supercharging effect, no wonder it felt sluggish !! not only that but being supercharged the compression ratio is lower than for a normally aspirated 2.3 ltr car so even more sluggish than a conventional car !!
There's more the fuse that was blown also controls the variable valve timing, 2 oxgen sensors in the exhaust plus a flap valve in the inlet tract.
So in addition no variable valve timing, no oxgen sensing to control fuel ratios and restricted air flow on the inlet side.
Amazingingly despite all this it was still a very passable open air cruiser, cant wait to see the difference it makes when all of the above is rectified next friday

Could you post the name and location of that fuse. Some time ago I was trying to trace where the supply to the kompressor clutch came from without success. None of the fuse identifiers I found mentioned it so the information would be very useful.

Thanks in advance.

Jim

 

[ted collett]

Jim many apologies having been satisfied with the results of the work on my car I haven't looked back at this thread until today. After all this time I hope you have found the fuse. I'm afraid I still cant help I was merely given this info by the garage mechanic working on the job. You probably think so why bother replying anyway, its just that I dont wish to appear rude as I'm sure I'll need help from you guys again on something else.

 

[jimsinessex]

Jim many apologies having been satisfied with the results of the work on my car I haven't looked back at this thread until today. After all this time I hope you have found the fuse. I'm afraid I still cant help I was merely given this info by the garage mechanic working on the job. You probably think so why bother replying anyway, its just that I dont wish to appear rude as I'm sure I'll need help from you guys again on something else.

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply. I have never found another reference to a fuse in kompressor clutch circuit so it seems destined to remain one of life's unsolved mysteries.

The car has since been written off in someone else's accident and I have moved on to 320CDI engined car with a turbo.

Jim

 

[ted collett]

Jim many apologies for not replying before, having been satisfied with the results of the work carried out on my car I haven't looked at this thread until now. I'm sorry I still can't help as I was only told about the fuse by the garage mechanic working on the job but not shown where it was. I hope after all this time you may have located it.
Regards
Ted